22nd Amendment Passed Through Democratic and Constitutional Process, Says Nalinda Jayatissa

Minister of Mass Media Nalinda Jayatissa said the 22nd Constitutional Amendment and the Judicature (Amendment) Bill were passed through a democratic and constitutional process.

He said that after the Bills were gazetted and presented to Parliament, the required period was provided and the necessary steps were taken in accordance with the determination of the Supreme Court.

Following the parliamentary debate, the necessary amendments were adopted, while both government and Opposition members were given an opportunity to present their views, he said.

The 22nd Amendment was subsequently passed by Parliament on September 25 with a two-thirds majority, with 158 MPs voting in favour and 63 against. The Judicature (Amendment) Bill was also passed, with 158 votes in favour and 62 against at the Third Reading.

Minister Criticises Opposition

However, Jayatissa accused the Opposition of making statements that he said had damaged the reputation of the independent judiciary, including allegations concerning Supreme Court judges and the Chief Justice.

He claimed that the Opposition had been unable to present a clear political argument against the amendment and had instead raised different issues on different occasions.

The Minister further said that divisions within the Opposition had become increasingly apparent following the passage of the 22nd Amendment.

He said the situation currently visible within the Opposition was the result of bringing groups together without having a clear political slogan or common political position.

PTA and the 22nd Amendment

Jayatissa said there was no connection between the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and the 22nd Constitutional Amendment.

He said the government had promised the public that the PTA would be repealed and that steps were also being taken to introduce separate legal measures to combat organised crime.

The government has previously stated that it intends to repeal the PTA and introduce new legislation specifically addressing organised crime and terrorism. Cabinet has also approved a draft bill titled the “Safeguarding the State from Terrorism” to replace the existing framework.

Government to Provide Relief Amid Rising Fuel Prices

The Minister also said that when global fuel prices increase, the government intervenes to provide relief rather than placing the entire burden on the public.

He said the government had already decided to provide some relief to the public in response to the recent increase in fuel prices.

Jayatissa had previously said that the government was considering measures to reduce fuel prices and provide relief to the public amid higher global prices.

Government Crackdown on Organised Crime

He also said the government had implemented a special programme to suppress underworld and organised criminal activities in the country.

According to Jayatissa, steps were being taken to arrest underworld figures living overseas, while legal action was being pursued against individuals operating within the country.

He said no underworld group or individual would receive protection from the government and that steps would be taken to completely suppress organised criminal activity.

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